Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Visiting the Historic Sights and Christmas Market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

The Christmas Market in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany is nothing short of enchanting. It was my favorite market during a week-long visit in Bavaria, Germany during the Advent Season. It isn’t the easiest to get to, but you will be duly rewarded for making the effort.

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Whether you are traveling to Rothenburg for the Christmas Market or during another time of the year, the town is full of well-preserved medieval buildings, Gothic architecture, half-timbered houses, and everything you associate with a picturesque German village. With that in mind, be sure to set some time aside to enjoy the many popular attractions in addition to your Christmas Market wanderings.

• Top things to see in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
• The Rothenburg Christmas Market
• Other Tips & Information

Top things to see in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

We took the train from Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber as a day trip. The train ride is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes, including a couple transfers. We arrived just before lunch with the entire afternoon and evening to explore the market and wander the streets of this fairy tale village.

The town itself is amazing to explore with its cobblestone streets, quaint little cafes, and historic buildings. The locals are warm and friendly (and most spoke English, which was really nice, too). We did not have any particular itinerary because the town is small enough that it can be fully walked. Sooner or later, you get around to seeing everything:)

The top things that you’ll want to catch a glimpse of include:

• Gallows Gate
• White Tower
• Marketplatz
• Käthe Wohlfahrt Store
• Plönlein
• Aussichtspunkt an der Eich

Gallows Gate

The Gallows Gate, also referred to as Würzburger Tor, is one of five pass-through gates in Rothenburg. It dates to the 14th-century and got its name because the gallows, i.e., the place of execution by hanging, was directly in front of the gate. Grisly, but true. The gate was also part of the medieval fortifications that protected the town.

The Gallows Gate, along with other parts of the city’s walls, was rebuilt after being damaged during WWII. Thankfully, the Old Town inside of the walls was practically unscathed.

Walking Route Tip: After leaving the Central Train Station, there are a couple walking routes that will take you into Old Town. To see the Gallows Gate, follow Bahnhofstraße and then turn left at Schweinsdorfer. Once you pass through the gate, you can then follow Galgengasse into the historic center.

Above photo: Gallows Gate

White Tower

The focal point at the end of Galganasse, is the 33-meter tall White Tower, sometimes called the Gallows Arch. It is part of the old inner city fortifications and entrance to the former Jewish quarter of the city. Directly in front of the tower are two other landmarks, the Jewish Dance House and the Rabbi Meir Garden. Together, they form a memorial where you can learn more about Jewish life during the middle ages.

Above photos: White Tower

Marketplatz

Marketplatz is the town’s main public square surrounded by historic buildings and landmarks. It is used for summer concerts and the winter Christmas Market (more on that in a minute). Here you will also find St. George’s Fountain, Georgsbrunnen, which was used as a drinking fountain for tradesmen.

On the north side of the square, the Rothenburg Tourism Service occupies the former Council Drinking Hall. I guess that’s one way to solve political differences. The building features a glockenspiel clock tower with doors that open on the hour to reenact the legend of the heroic mayor who saved his town by drinking a gallon of wine (lol).

The main building in Marketplatz is Town Hall. The front facade of the building was rebuilt in the 16th-century after a fire destroyed the original. Other parts of the original Gothic building are still standing today. The different sides of the structure are adjoined by a central atrium. For an aerial view of the town, you can climb the 60-meter tower, accessible from the main entrance.

During the Christmas Market season, the windows on the second floor of Town Hall are decorated by local school classes and youth groups to create an Advent calendar. Don’t forget to look up!

Above photos: Rothenburg Tourism Office (left); Town Hall (right)

Käthe Wohlfahrt Store

Just a few steps from Marketplatz is the Käthe Wohlfahrt store. Inside, it is an explosion of every kind of Christmas ornament and decoration you can imagine, organized by theme. There was a queue to get in the store and a strict walking-flow to help move people through. It is easy to get lost – or to lose track of the person you came in with – but great fun!

Above photos: Kathe Wohlfhart Store, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Plönlein

Probably the most iconic view in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is Plönlein. This landmark area features a fountain and a yellow timber-frame house flanked by the 14th-century Kobolzell Gate and the higher Siebers Tower which also mark the entrance of the Spital Quarter (hospital district). If it makes you fee like you are stepping into a fairy tale, you’re not alone. The site has been used as the inspiration for Pinocchio and copied by architects for various other entertainment projects.

The trek back up the hill can be made more enjoyable by stopping at the shops and bakeries along the way:) Schmiedgasse is lined with boutiques, hotels, and bakeries that are marked with cast iron signs hanging over the entrances. The highly decorative designs are artistic as much as they are informative. Back in the day when not everyone was able to read and write, symbols and pictures were used instead of words.

Above photo: Plönlein (left); Schneeball at Friedel Bäckerei

Aussichtspunkt an der Eich

As we continued to walk (uphill) back towards the main square, we turned down a narrow side street that led out to the city walls. The views here are stunning! There is also an observation deck called Aussichtspunkt an der Eich, but anywhere along the fortification there are vistas going out to the Tauber.

Above photos: Views from Aussichtspunkt an der Eich

The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market stalls are located between Marketplatz, Grüner Markt and St. Jakob’s Church, as well as in the Atrium at Town Hall. The market features 60+ stalls, although it felt much bigger. The market stalls sprawled down side streets, alleys, and alcoves. Where there wasn’t a stall, there was an adorable shop or a welcoming door front. Brass bands and other entertainers from the Rothenburg region perform daily on the stage at Grüner Markt. The mood is so incredibly festive!

Above photos: Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

After the sun disappeared, the Christmas Market was a completely different ambiance. We were glad that we had stayed after dark to experience the Christmas magic at night and a few light flurries. And then it was back on the train and back to Nuremberg for a sleep before our onward journey to Strasbourg, France!

I am currently planning a return trip to Rothenburg, but switching up my itinerary to go to Ulm and Augsburg instead of Alsace. Nearly every town in Bavaria has a Christmas Market, and it is fun to visit some of the less popular ones with fewer crowds and different regional specialties. Although, it is fair to say that some of the markets are popular for a reason!

Above photos: Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Tree in Marketplatz (left); Town Hall Advent Windows (right)

More Tips & Info

Tours

There is so much more to see and do in Rothenburg. If you have a longer stay planned, consider a walking tour or a private guide to show you around!

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